JOB PURPOSE: 13-year old girl with speech and language disorder, learning difficulties and some mobility issues requires a female support worker to access a range of activities both inside and outside the home (Leeds area). She requires close supervision to help keep her mobile and safe. The support worker would also help her develop her social skills.  6 hours per week / £8.75 per hour  5.6 weeks holiday (pro-rata)   BACKGROUND: We are parents of a fun loving 13-year old girl who has a disorder of speech and language development, moderate learning difficulties and some physical difficulties. She requires close supervision to help keep her mobile and safe. The personal assistant would allow her to take part in enjoyable activities both inside the home, and outside in the community, leisure centres and in the park in her development of independence, confidence and social skills. When not directly involved in giving her support the personal assistant could help practically, e.g. by assistance with meal preparation and light household tasks. Because of her occasional incontinence she needs a kind, competent practical assistant to help her keep herself clean but at the same time encourage development of her personal care and hygiene skills. It is anticipated that support will be required for two hours on a weekday evening and four hours on a weekend. This may change during school holidays when more support may be required during the week.   MORE DETAIL: Our daughter has a kind friendly and humorous personality. She loves children, gardening and many things outdoors. She has two younger siblings (aged 4 and 10). She suffers from moderate learning difficulties, weak muscles resulting in impaired mobility. She can walk short-moderate distances but due to foot drop she presently wears splints (ankle-foot orthoses) to help her walk properly. She enjoys activities (e.g. ball games, trampolining) outside in the garden or in parks (e.g. riding her trike in Roundhay park). She is generally able to toilet herself but very occasionally may have “accidents”. At such times she may need some personal assistance in the toilet.   MAIN DUTIES: Personal Care Assistance with leisure activities (e.g. swimming, trampolining) Outdoor activity support (e.g. taking her cycling on her trike). Promote communication skills, confidence and sense of independence Helping her with showering, dressing and toileting. Helping her in the kitchen to make simple snacks or baking. Assisting her during mealtimes. Assisting her at the allotment. Helping her to keep her room tidy. Helping her with homework. Looking after her in the home for short periods if parents are away. Taking her out on short outings in the community to help provide stimulation (e.g. library, museum, shopping, friends’ home). Undertaking simple physio related activities such as hand stretching. When not directly involved in giving our daughter support the personal assistant could help parents practically, e.g. by assistance with meal preparation, light household tasks, keeping an eye on two siblings whilst parents are away for important doctor appointments/ school meetings concerning our daughter.    ESSENTIALS: Willing to work weekends and weekdays To feel secure in water when taking her swimming. Show initiative and flexibility Ensure she is supervised at all times in appropriate activities.  Be sensitive to her needs and feelings. Communicate well with family and provide feedback to parents. Attend work punctually and consistently. Maintain confidentiality at all times. Able to handle the physical skills or techniques of lifting, pushing and bending. A drivers license and a personal car To have the physical capability to transport her trike (in two pieces) in the car     IMPORTANT PERSONAL QUALITIES FOR PA: Caring, kind Practical Friendly, empathetic and sensitive Easy-going and calm Reliable, diligent and a flexible approach to work High standards of cleanliness, tidiness, and a pleasant positive personality. Intelligence and a good general education would be advantageous To hold a current and satisfactory enhanced CRB check or be willing to complete one. In general, to undertake all care work with the sensitivity required to provide services in a way, which will preserve the dignity, choice, independence, fulfilment and rights of the child and their family. To enjoy working with young people. We prefer a PA not to smoke when with our daughter due to her condition   SKILLS:  To be able to work unsupervised. Good communication and listening skills. To be able to take decisions and make sound judgements. To manage stress and stay calm and patient under pressure. To be able to build self esteem while ensuring a safe and secure environment.    OTHER: To hold a current and satisfactory enhanced CRB check or be willing to complete one. In general, to undertake all care work with the sensitivity required to provide services in a way, which will preserve the dignity, choice, independence, fulfilment and rights of the child and their family. We prefer a PA not to smoke when with our daughter due to her condition To enjoy working with young people.